Experience in one to one coaching

I first became involved in one to one coaching when I was a Professional Development Officer with the Regional Training Unit and deeply involved in all aspects of school leadershipincluding Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH). I received initial training fromCentre for Educational Leadership in Nottingham and thenunderwentreaccreditation from the same institution. As part of our current work for Inspire we meet regularly for supervision exercises to increase our knowledge and skills.

Initially I was involved in working with Trainee Head Teachers (THT’s), discussing their concerns relating to their preparation for headship.I have over the last number of years become increasingly involved in one to one coaching with experienced principals who are under stress as a result of exceptionally demanding situations they are experiencing or have experienced. This is demanding work involving essential coaching skills such as listening, questioning, empathising and helping them plan a way forward. It is very rewarding work and there has been a marked increase in the number of schools looking to train all their staff in resilience and wellbeing

I also am involved in the training of Principals, Senior Managers in schools, Middle Leaders and aspiring leaders in the development of one to one coaching skills. This involves the planning of training days, providing coaching scenarios and assessing and feeding back to relevant authorities on progress. I also have experience of working with new principals and vice-principals in their first year in post. This work is done under the auspices of professional organisations such as Education Authority for Northern Ireland (EA), “Inspire” and increasingly in a private capacity.

I make a conscious effort to incorporate one to one coaching into all aspects of the leadership training I do and this includes training in developing Interpersonal skills where I, when the opportunity arises actually coach those participating.